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Fernandez Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

An official end to the 2014 season came today for Marlins' ace pitcher Jose Fernandez. Tommy John surgery was successfully performed by the Dodgers' team physician Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.

The Marlins released this statement this evening:

Jose Fernandez today underwent successful Tommy John surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles. He will return to Miami and immediately begin his rehabilitation and recovery program, which is a standard 12-18 month process.

“We are pleased that Jose’s surgery went well. We are confident Jose will approach his rehab with same energy and passion that are his trademark,” said Michael Hill, Marlins’ president of baseball operations. "We look forward to having him back with the team when we return to Miami next week. "

Fernandez's attorney, Ralpf Fernandez, released this statement:

Today surgery was performed on Jose Fernandez. All indications are that it was successful. Many have followed this story closely offering their prayers and support. Much has been written and broadcast. In order to reduce speculation, some of the underlying facts that brought us to this juncture are worthy of explanation.

Jose did not have a pre-existing condition. While pitching during the recent Dodgers game in Miami he was struck by a ball on his rear thigh. This prompted a completely unanticipated change in delivery which neither the staff nor his coaches could discern. After the game we spoke as we always do. Jose was concerned about his arm. Despite many exchanges on the subject in the days that followed he felt that with the Marlins Get your Marlins Tickets now! regaining first place in the division he could not let his team down. Apparently the injury was worse than he believed. In San Diego in the third ending he suffered a traumatic event, tossed a couple of more innings and the rest is history.

A pitch speed analysis was published reflecting a decrease in speed in the last few games. The analysis did not take into account that by design after a victory in Atlanta, facing Atlanta five days later warranted nearly forty off speed pitches. A similar pattern followed in the early innings of the next game. Thus the reduction in average speed but not due to injury.

Many people, including some very close to Jose, have expressed opinions about the meritsof surgery. Frustration has run high. One of the practical factors that we considered in reaching the decision that he follow the consensus in medical advice was the absolute agreement between Jeffrey Loria, owner of the Marlins, and Scott Boras, Jose’s agent. Their agreement on anything Jose, from a legal and practical perspective, creates an irrefutable presumption that this was the proper course.

I also consulted with Luis Crespo, M.D., a medical adviser to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers andtrusted close friend. All of this information was shared with Jose and his mother Maritza. In the last week the contact has been constant. Jose has not taken this lightly.

All of us should look forward to the same dynamic and engaging personality, the contagious smile, a team and community leader on and off the field, and a courageous young man coming back soon. The only difference may well be the young fireballer’s acquisition of a bionic arm.